Just days after an explosion devastated the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, a fresh blast has rocked the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, once again plunging Rivers State into chaos.
The latest explosion, which occurred early on Sunday, March 23, has sent shockwaves through the region, with reports confirming the facility, operated by Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited, was engulfed in fireballs visible from miles away.
The incident was promptly confirmed by the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a key grassroots organization dedicated to environmental and community issues in the Niger Delta.
The YEAC’s Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, stated in a report that the explosion, accompanied by a dramatic display of fireballs, occurred in an area that is notoriously difficult to access. As of the latest update, the flames are still burning at the facility. “An explosion was heard, and the fireballs were seen rising from the site. The blaze continues to rage at the time of this report,” Fyneface said.
The cause of the blast remains shrouded in mystery, with speculation pointing to a range of possibilities including equipment failure, sabotage, or even a targeted attack.
This marks the third explosion in Rivers State within a week, further intensifying fears about the security and stability of the region’s already fragile oil infrastructure.
Earlier incidents included explosions in Ogoni and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas, with the latter incident sparking a strong response from President Bola Tinubu.
In a nationwide broadcast on March 18, the president announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the governor’s failure to safeguard vital oil infrastructure as a key reason for the drastic action.
As a result, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, along with the Deputy Governor and the state House of Assembly, were suspended, a move that has only fueled growing tensions.
Adding to the unrest, a viral video emerged, showing youths issuing threats against any move to impeach the governor, signaling rising dissatisfaction with the political leadership in the state.
The sequence of explosions has amplified concerns across the Niger Delta, a region already battling the twin crises of environmental degradation and escalating insecurity tied to the oil industry.
With the fire at Soku still ongoing, there is an urgent call from all quarters for a thorough investigation and enhanced security measures to protect the region’s oil infrastructure, which remains vulnerable to both internal and external threats.
The stakes have never been higher, and the pressure is mounting for swift, decisive action to prevent further destruction.
